Description
Degas really liked to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look of his beloved Paris Opera. And he did not spare his figures any modesty. His Before the Ballet certainly depicts his dancers in ungainly poses as they each stretch and yawn. He was fascinated by the activities before and after actual performances at the Paris Opera House. Many of his depictions of dancers include scenes in which the dancers could briefly let their hair down. Degas was a big fan of the young women’s athleticism and controlled energy and wanted this particular work to reflect the real life of a working ballerina. As such, there is a certain tension inherent in the painting that the viewer is invited to quietly observe. Our nearly identical recreation measures 20″ x 24″.
